Fuchs, GerhardWassermann, Sandra2009-08-132016-03-312009-08-132016-03-312009978-3-938245-12-5316170968http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:93-opus-45108http://elib.uni-stuttgart.de/handle/11682/5522http://dx.doi.org/10.18419/opus-5505Innovation theory has pointed to the complex, non-linear character of innovation processes. Heterogeneous networks of actors that include a mixed spectrum of academic, economic, and governmental actors and agencies combine to achieve innovations. Is there any role for innovation policy beyond influencing framework conditions in such a situation? The article analyses the case of a successful innovation in the energy sector: Photovoltaics. It argues that - given the special characteristics of the energy sector – successful innovation depended on strong political support and an advocacy coalition which achieved institutional backing. The method chosen to realize the innovation was the creation of a niche market with the help of regulatory instruments.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPhotovoltaik , Erneuerbare Energien , Deutschland / Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz , Innovation , Innovationsförderung , Technologiepolitik300Sektorales Innovationssystem , Nischenpolitik , Unterstützerkoalition , Unsicherheit , Radikale InnovationInnovation , Photovoltaics , Renewables , Innovation Policy , Advocacy CoalitionworkingPaper2012-08-08